Israeli Drones Reportedly Drop Grenades Near UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported a significant incident involving Israeli military drones on Tuesday, which targeted areas close to peacekeepers engaged in clearing vital roadblocks. These roadblocks hinder access to a UN position near the southern Lebanese border with Israel.

According to UNIFIL, this event marked one of the most serious infringements on peacekeeping personnel since the cessation of hostilities agreement reached in November 2024. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the organization noted that four grenades were dropped, with one landing approximately 20 meters away and three others within a 100-meter radius of UN personnel and their vehicles.

The ongoing situation highlights a pattern of violations regarding the November 2024 ceasefire, as Israel continues to conduct daily operations in Lebanon. These operations, ostensibly aimed at targeting Hezbollah, have tragically resulted in civilian casualties, displacing communities and damaging residential infrastructure. UNIFIL emphasized that prior to the road clearing operation, the Israeli military had been informed of the peacekeepers’ activities in the Marwahin area, underlining the importance of protecting UN missions.

UNIFIL reiterated that any actions posing danger to peacekeepers and their mandated tasks constitute serious breaches of Resolution 1701 and international law. This resolution was enacted to cease hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah following the 2006 conflict, emphasizing the need for both peaceful coexistence and adherence to international standards.

Established in 1978, UNIFIL’s mission extends to patrolling Lebanon’s southern border. Recently, the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved the extension of UNIFIL’s mandate through the end of 2026, after which a carefully coordinated withdrawal will commence.

Despite the peacekeeping mission’s significance, both Israel and the United States have advocated for its reduction, accusing UNIFIL of providing political cover for Hezbollah since the mid-2000s. Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that the disarmament of Hezbollah is not a stated objective of the UN body.

Additionally, Hezbollah’s leadership, represented by Secretary-General Naim Qassem, has firmly rejected calls to disarm, asserting that true Lebanese sovereignty can only be achieved through addressing Israeli military presence and actions in Lebanon. He has emphasized that peace and security cannot be negotiated without addressing these core issues, positioning Hezbollah as a vital defender against perceived Israeli expansionism.

As this complex situation unfolds, regional stability remains a top priority, necessitating continued dialogue and cooperation towards a sustainable peace.

#MiddleEastNews #PoliticsNews